Chiru skirted key issues, say rivals

HYDERABAD: The eight-month production schedule for the launch of Chiranjeevi's political movie 'Prajarajyam' has turned out to be a damp squib as his speech lacked clarity on a host of important issues, claimed his rival political parties.
The parties claimed that he failed to strike an emotional chord with the people or explain reasons for his foray into politics.Though most of them said it was a small stepping stone to nurture his ambitions on the political scene, several senior leaders from various political parties opined that he could not come out with a strong agenda as claimed during the grand announcement about his political plans recently.
He continued to shy away from burning issues like separate Telangana and tried to harp on his oft repeated theme of corruption but in the process insulted the poor, they said.
Talking to 'TOI' TDP deputy leader Y Ramakrishnudu said Chiranjeevi could not even explain the significance of the colours in the flag.
Initially Chiranjeevi said that green colour represents farmers but later he said it represents Muslims. Similarly, red, he said, represents Hinduism but then he went on to say that it represents nature . White according to him was indicator of transparency but then he said it represents Christianity.
On the contrary, when NTR launched TDP he spoke of just four issues. Telugu Atmagauravam, creating special identity for Telugu's across the globe, food, cloth and shelter for the poor and that Congress was his enemy whereas Chiranjeevi appeared to be scared of launching a direct attack against the government or any other party.
Congress MLA K Venkat Reddy said that while Congress was a public limited company, 'Prajarajyam' appears to be a family limited company and it appears that he had run out of issues.
While the chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy publicly acknowledged Telangana sentiment, Chiranjeevi skirted the issue and had not clarity on the issue , he said.
TRS floor leader E Rajender said that unless Chiranjeevi makes a clear statement on Telangana issue he cannot expect public support from the region. "Cat on the wall," attitude will not lead him anywhere, he added.
The CPM said they would like to wait for some more time since this was just a small beginning. "His speech is vague and he should first spell out his stance towards parties like BJP and crucial issues like nuclear deal, need for formation of a third front, federalism etc," a CPM leader said. BJP leader G Kishen Reddy also felt that the speech lacked conviction and direction.